Trainworx N scale Vintage Fuel Tankers

[cfritschle]

Hmmmm...what is the vintage of that semi? That would look good pulling out of my Shell depot

The Peterbilt 350 was in production from 1949 to 1957. 

And just to cover both trucks, the Peterbilt 351 was in production from 1954 to 1976.

[nkalanaga]

And the 350s lasted into the 70s, at least, although probably not in fleet service.  Owner-operators and local companies kept them for many years.

[johnb]

The Peterbilt 350 was in production from 1949 to 1957. 

And just to cover both trucks, the Peterbilt 351 was in production from 1954 to 1976.

my timeframe is 1950-1953

[Cajonpassfan]

Hmmm, nice. So if I wanted to splurge, which of these gasoline brands would have been most common in 1950 Southern California?
Thanks, Otto K.

[johnb]

Hmmm, nice. So if I wanted to splurge, which of these gasoline brands would have been most common in 1950 Southern California?
Thanks, Otto K.

Gilmore, Chevron, Standard, Texaco, Union 76, Hancock, Mobil, Wilshire (which became Gulf), Shell, Signal, Flying A and Richfield.

[Cajonpassfan]

Ah, thank you, good to know. So that’s brings me to the next question....in circa 1950 when the 350’s were new, which paint schemes would have been appropriate? My perception is that some of the more colorful schemes were introduced later, and that simpler, more conservative paint jobs were common?
Otto K.

[DKS]

"Colorful" is the word of the day for fuel oil trucks of almost any vintage.

[cfritschle]

Otto,

If there is a historical society that covers the area you are modeling, that may also be a good source for photos.  When Trainworx announced the vintage tankers, I went to the Idaho Historical Society's website and found several photos from the 1940s to early 1960s of service stations in southwest Idaho.  I wanted to make sure I ordered tankers that would be appropriate for my area, even though my modeling era is the early 21st Century.   

[Cajonpassfan]

Thanks Carter, DKS, appreciate your feedback. I think in my period, I only have room for one of these anyway, maybe the Mobilgas red. I do have a thing about modeling the everyday, ordinary, and get very selective about bright and shiny objects. I think I can happily make an exception here...
Otto K.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I really wish they would announce their modern gas and food service tankers. I need a ton of those food service tanks for two corn syrup distribution sites.

[cfritschle]

I really wish they would announce their modern gas and food service tankers. I need a ton of those food service tanks for two corn syrup distribution sites.

Dan,

Do you mean these tankers?



I only posted the photo just in case someone might not know this tooling exists.   

I am also anxiously awaiting for the announcement.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

That's the one. These need a proper mirror-chrome look to them. Every one I've ever seen was almost totally spotless.

Trainworx has been sitting on some really good tooling for years.

I REALLY wish they could make a website where I could build a truck with all the optional parts he has... truck type, color, wheels, sleeper, accessories, etc.

[wazzou]

I’d bet the whole trailer could be wrapped with bare metal foil.

[peteski]

I’d bet the whole trailer could be wrapped with bare metal foil.

Yes, or use one of the chrome paint-on finishes like Molotow chrome, Alclad II chrome, or Alsa Chrome.

[cfritschle]

The stainless steel trailers that I see hauling milk need to have the "chrome" look.  However, the trailers I see around the asphalt terminals appear to be aluminum, and look rather dull in comparison. 

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5918939,-116.5429397,3a,44.6y,71.1h,88.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sK_HWJblPohbe2a8cwZClLg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I think models based on both the stainless steel and aluminum prototype trailers will do well.